Type Social Colors Crimson
Gold Philanthropy Special Olympics | Scope Local Flower Golden Chrysanthemum | |
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Founded 1905; 112 years ago (1905)
Baker University | ||
Zeta Chi (ZX) is a fraternity located at Baker University in Baldwin City, KS. It claims to be the oldest independent fraternity in the western United States.
Contents
History
Zeta Chi was founded on May 23, 1905 by 16 men who did not wish to join any of the previously existing fraternities. By 1915 it reported 79 living undergraduate and alumni members.
Throughout the 20th Century the fraternity grew, eventually moving to its current headquarters on 903 Eighth Street, which was previously the house of the University President.
In the mid 2000s the fraternity struggled with small pledge classes and repeated academic probation. To help alleviate these problems, in 2007 Zeta Chi officially became a "dry" house (not allowing alcohol on its property).
Notable Alumni
Warren Ortman Ault
Dr. Ault was, at the time of his death at age 102 in 1989, the oldest living Rhodes Scholar. He served as a professor of history at Boston University for 52 years. He was a 1907 graduate of Baker University.
Raymond J. Pruitt, M.D.
Dr. Pruitt was a Cardiologist, a Rhodes Scholar while at the University of Oxford, and the first dean of the Mayo Medical School. He was a member of Zeta Chi from 1930-1933.
Jared J. Grantham, M.D.
Dr. Grantham, a distinguished Nephrologist and one of the world's foremost scientists in Polycystic Kidney Disease, was a member from 1954-1958.
Philanthropy
Zeta Chi is philanthropically affiliated with the Special Olympics, raising money for local chapters and spreading awareness of their activities. Most prominent among the member's activities is their annual Polyeuphany event, a benefit concert in which students and community members share their talents to raise money.